Chapter 17 #2
“Well, Miss Adler, it appears opposing counsel doesn’t feel the need to attend today, so let’s begin.
” The judge is a stern, older man—an Alpha, given his strong presence—but he doesn’t seem unkind.
Factual would be the best word to describe him as he reviews the petition for divorce and request for full custody of both children.
Lying the files in front of him, he meets my eyes.
“Mrs. Montgomery-Boyd, I accepted your case to prevent you from falling prey to the corruption we are learning runs deep in your home state of New Hampshire. The testimonials provided by the DAU and FCDA prove your strength and tenacity. Unfortunately, they do not make your situation any less complicated.”
My nails dig into my palms as I nod sharply, trying to fight the anxiety clawing through my body.
“As Mr. Boyd could not be bothered to appear before me today, I see no reason not to grant your petition for divorce. For your request to be granted full custody of your daughter and unborn child… that’s where I am torn.
You have no work history and an incomplete education.
How do you plan to provide for your children? To shelter and feed them?”
Lilah had warned me this would be our biggest hurdle.
Money is one factor I have no concerns about.
I hadn’t wanted to reveal anything with Colin in the room, but since he isn’t here…
“Your Honor, when I became an informant for the DAU eleven years ago, I requested that any payment be put into a savings account, one that wouldn’t be listed in my name.
I was afraid my family would find it and realize I was working against them.
Now that I am free from the cult, the DAU is transferring the account to me. ”
I nod to Lilah, who presents a statement from the account and a copy of my contract with the DAU. The amount in the account… it still shocks me to see it. There will be no need for me to work for the foreseeable future, but I know it isn’t a permanent solution.
The judge must agree, because he frowns at me. “And your long-term plans?”
This is what I’d pulled Lilah aside to discuss as soon as we arrived this morning. Without guaranteed stability, I’ll never win this case. Custody will be split between me and Colin, which cannot happen. But there is a golden ticket in my pocket; I just have to be brave enough to use it.
“With the divorce finalized, I am joining the Wilson pack.” I gesture to the two men behind me, but I don’t dare look at either of them.
I’ll combust if I see their expressions.
“They are my Fate-matched mates. We share a matching birthmark connection.” I offer my elbow up so he can see the mark on my skin.
Shepherd or Foster must do the same, because the judge nods. “I see. That’s a most joyous discovery. Wilson Pack, are you prepared to add Hannah and her children to your pack roster?”
“We are, Your Honor.” Shepherd’s voice rings confidently through the room. He doesn’t doubt us. He never has.
“Then I see no reason to deny your request for full custody. Congratulations, Wilson Pack. Counselor Adler, file the paperwork with the court, and I’ll approve it as soon as it reaches my desk.”
We’re dismissed so the next case can begin. I walk on shaky legs, still reeling from the stress. It’s… over? Truly? Sweet, buttery lemon engulfs me as soon as we step into the hallway. Foster’s arms hold me tight against his chest, his relief as palpable as my own. “You’re free, Angel.”
Glancing into his cool, aquamarine eyes, I can’t hold back a smile.
“Free to be yours.” His lips smash to mine, fingers digging into my hair and tugging as he steals the breath from my lungs.
A terribly masked cough has us breaking apart.
Warmth crawls up my cheeks as I turn to see Shepherd watching us with a heated expression.
“Well, Hannah, the hard part is over! It helped that your ex never showed up, but his absence is still concerning. The protection order against him is still in effect. I’ll file for it to be extended at least through the first year of your divorce.
” Lilah stares out into the crowd, lips pinched tight.
She’s right that Colin not being here is alarming, even if it benefited us.
He showed up at our apartment, but couldn’t make the court date? No, he’s planning something. He has to be.
“He already broke the order once,” Shepherd reminds us. “We won’t let it happen a second time.”
Lilah nods, and glances at her watch. “I have to run, but I’ll call you later this week.
The paperwork process moves much more slowly than the initial court dates.
We might not see the results for several weeks.
Don’t worry, the outcome won’t change. Go celebrate.
Start living your life without the constraints of the cult. ”
I pull her into a side hug and thank her for the hundredth time since we met. She shakes Shepherd’s hand and waves to Foster before disappearing into the crowd, likely rushing to her next court appointment.
“Mommy? I hungry,” Kaitlin tugs on the bottom of my dress, her bottom lip pushed into a pout.
Foster swoops her into his arms and blows a raspberry on her cheek.
She giggles and throws her arms around his neck to do the same to him.
It doesn’t work and leaves a slobbery wet spot on his skin.
I reach up and wipe it away, biting my lip when he winks down at me.
“Let’s go get you something to eat, Princess. What sounds good?”
“Ice cream!” Her tiny eyes snap to mine, pleading silently.
My head shakes, laughter slipping through my lips when Foster hits me with the same expression. “After we eat something more filling.”
An arm wraps around my waist, guiding me toward the exit.
It’s the first time Shepherd has really touched me.
At least when I wasn’t breaking down. I lean into his side, wrapping myself in his bergamot scent.
“You did great in there,” he whispers, brushing his hand up and down my back with the perfect amount of pressure.
Heat warms my cheeks with his praise. My flushed skin earns me a hum of approval that has me peeking up at him from beneath my lashes. What does that sound mean?
He grins at me for a few seconds before he looks away, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings.
It’s sobering to see him still in bodyguard mode, reminding me that this win against Colin is only the beginning.
My divorce and custody battle are only the first step to securing the future my children and I deserve.
A future with them, our pack. I want it more than anything.